Tuesday, March 26, 2019
I have many great pictures of my Auntie Flo in my mind, most from childhood where she and her sister-sidekick Marilyn, Auntie May, were stylish role models for my sister Alma and me. But I recall another time at her home, in January when the men were watching the Superbowl, when I was an an earnest teen, discussing the hot topic of the day, "Women's Lib" and the division of labour between men and women. I staunchly advocated for a strict 50-50 split...then and now being allergic to housework...but Auntie Flo laughed and observed: " That's okay on paper but marriage isn't arithmetic." I never wed, so I never found out ...but the same could be said of all cherished relationships, including friendships. Auntie Flo, you were a great aunt ( of the unhyphenated variety) and a lifelong friend. You will continue to be a gentle, enlivening presence to your whole family, especially your children, son-in-law Mike, and grand-daughter, the incomparable Keeleigh. As well as your dear"adopted family". Auntie, I was forever forcing you ( and all my aunts.. ..the uncles wouldn't stand still for it) to listen to my stories and poems. So you won't be surprised by the following. Her name, she told me, was that of a great city In Italy, a sunny faraway land with dreamy men ( B.K.---before Kenny). There was one famous woman who had been an ornament To the name The first modern nurse, the "Lady With the Lamp" Miss Florence Nightingale, who saved lives "Simply by keeping the soldiers in some long ago war Warm, clean and lovingly listened to. The lady you described, Auntie, was yourself... Another shining name.
